Every web designer needs to have a couple of impressive case studies in their back pocket. But crafting them to acquire customers is not easy (trust us, we have been around the block several times).
It is only after years of trial and error at Neon Hive that we have discovered a working structure: A slick composition of display images that flow together as the written narrative unfolds.
For you designers out there, the layout is going to be the easy part. Visuals are your forte. But how can a web designer not only structure, but compose the ideal case study?
Regrettably, screenshots paired with short detailings of your favorite projects aren’t sufficient to breed success. Your case studies require smart architecture, compelling copy, and engaging design if they are ever going to win a possible client’s trust.
What makes the ideal case study?
All terrific case studies comprise notable client projects, a definitive narrative structure, and an engaging visual layout. That, and adequate writing — something all web designers should understand, for many reasons.
The above case study features are essential. Use them together, and you are certain to breed case studies that acquire more design customers.
To kickstart your procedure, note this down major goal: Case studies must describe the process you took to address a challenge or close the gap from the observed to the desired state for the customer.
To accomplish this aim, in a case study, you want to pave an enticing pathway for potential customers to scroll down and explore your own services. Consider it your “yellow brick road.”
Along the path, show them your approach to successful site design. Prove that, with your services, they can sit back as you take care of business. And please, do not be afraid to flaunt the final outcome you delivered to your customer.
Below is the sequential guide to crafting powerful case studies.
Curation and standards for case studies
You have bonded (possibly to the bottom of a glass) with your favourite clients. But those projects are not always worthy of a case study.
Yes, this means killing some of your darlings. You can still have a walk down memory lane, but as you do, just show off the projects that best serve as excellent examples of your abilities.
To ease the selection process, use the below standards. It’s guaranteed to ease the pain of saying goodbye to this fun customer who sends you presents. (Bless them)
Criteria for jobs worthy of a case study:
- It is pertinent to future jobs and services that you would like to keep on exploring.
- It’s a defined initial issue.
- The result delivered quantifiable success.
- The web site is visually acceptable for static presentation.
Layout for screen
Do not take presenting your job as an chance to channel creative radicalism. It will divert from the web site you are displaying and the story you are trying to tell.
Rather, go minimalist when planning the layout. Consider the space for a gallery wall to showcase your work. However, you can (and should) get clever with demonstration. Straightforward screenshots of your sites will not engage the reader. Instead, think about exhibiting your work in contemporary frames, with immersive attributes, or visualized in their natural habitat: electronic screens.
And remember: layout for the kinds of clients that you want to win. This demonstration is for them, after all.
Construct a gripping structure
We present to you: the gold structure for writing a perfect case study. Follow it to be able, use the names (or adjust as needed), and utilize our measures to guide you through the procedure:
1. The challenge
On top of your case study, in no longer than 100 words, introduce your customer and their first problem — that you finally solved.
In this section, warmly explain your customer, respectfully address their site’s previous issues, and get readers spent in their narrative. This is your opportunity to convey the project’s purpose and establish your case study’s emotional tone, allowing readers to relate to a customer and their needs.
Having difficulty etching out the challenge? Rest assured, there are always significant amounts of information at the heart of every site issue.
For instance: Even if the customer’s purpose for hiring one would be to make a fresh face for their new, this ambition unveils their desire to profit from a modern site. (See what we’re getting at?) Think seriously about the ways their previous website disadvantaged their company, and you’re certain to uncover challenges which are worth a story.
2. The solution
In approximately 300 words, describe how you crafted your customer’s solution.
This section is about your abilities, and shouldn’t resemble a diagnostics run. This section is where viewers will hear about your smart approach and innovative ideas that, finally, solved the challenge.
When writing, keep it short and sweet. Make it readable for the reader by dividing each vital resolution into different paragraphs.
Note: This section should concentrate mostly on pictures in chronological order. Bring in screenshots of wireframes and your strategy phases to paint a vibrant picture of the entire project’s journey. Following that, make sure the final product is envisioned more than once and always offer a direct connection to the site itself.
3. The results
In no more than 100 words, describe the results of your handiwork.
This section is for flaunting the results of your customer’s new site after the launching . Results can include improved traffic, enhanced brand presence, or greater conversion prices. Whatever data points you use, the main thing is that you exemplify what the site has best achieved.
In terms of copy, all you need here is an introduction of your final results and the data to back this up. This is an fantastic chance to comment on the new site’s success and summarize the gorgeous digital platform you have crafted.
4. Testimonial
All you need is one shining quote.
Lots of individuals think it’s crucial to stuff a case study with handfuls of customer quotes. But let me be the one to tell you — this is a major mistake.
Readers care about your customer’s feelings, but sharing a lot of will water down every one’s impact. Want to make an impression? Use one to three-sentence quotation and be sure it’s the cream of the crop.
Client quotes aside, do not hesitate to bring in quotations from your team. It may be a breath of fresh air to learn what the pros behind the project thought about the construct. What was their favourite part? Where was the challenge? Get creative and use these quotations sparingly throughout the case study to support the picture or project stage you are presenting.
5. Scope of work
In as many words as it takes, list the services you provided during the project.
You have introduced the experience and taken the reader on a journey — now it is time to close. And what better means to do that than by listing the reach of your services that made it all happen? Consider this section that the rolling credits of your job.
Is it really needed? Yes. Because sometimes (all the time) people do not understand exactly how much work goes into a single site. The range is a subtle way to let them know.
Come on (let the good times roll)
One last tip: Take a page from a recipe book and framework that as your guide.
What you will discover is a list of instructions, each with a valuable description, and no longer than that. This methodical but engaging approach is ideal for writing a case study. Length every stage with a heading, keep it in a logical sequence, and always offer something fascinating to see or read.
Now is the time to scan your portfolio seeking a story. So go ahead! Look back over your best jobs, enjoy your gift, and keep these ideas in mind while you make your selections.
But do not just browse through the pretty ones. Scour those praised, those that filled your customer’s pockets, and the advanced beasts that rattled your brain like no other.
Now you are ready to construct an ideal case study.